anisochromasia

Pronunciation: an-ī′sō-krō-mā′zē-ă

Definition: The unequal distribution of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, such that the periphery is pigmented and the central region is virtually colorless, as observed in films of blood from persons with certain forms of anemia caused by iron deficiency; normal red blood cells show mild anisochromasia because of their biconcave shape.